Bill > A05296

This bill modifies existing law to expand county-wide shared services panels and establish a municipal efficiency fund to incentivize local government collaboration and cost reduction. Specifically, the bill expands the composition of county-wide shared services panels to include representatives from public library districts, school districts, fire districts, and special improvement districts, in addition to existing city, town, and village representatives. The panels will continue to develop plans aimed at reducing property taxes through strategies like eliminating duplicative services, sharing equipment and facilities, reducing administrative overhead, and creating purchasing cooperatives. The bill also creates a new municipal efficiency fund administered by the state comptroller, which will provide matching funds to counties that develop and implement approved shared services plans that demonstrate measurable cost savings. Counties must submit their plans to the secretary of state, who will review and potentially certify them for funding. The bill emphasizes public input, requiring panels to hold public hearings, accept recommendations from various stakeholders, and publicly disseminate their plans in clear, accessible language. The goal is to encourage local governments to find innovative ways to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through collaborative approaches.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5296